typeslongbows

Longbows are tall bows with limbs generally as long as the archer, designed for a long draw. They are typically straight and narrow, without a pronounced recurve. Historically, many longbows were self bows, made from a single piece of wood with no backing. The power of a longbow comes from its length and the tension in the limbs; draw weights at a standard 28-inch draw commonly ranged from about 100 to 180 pounds.

English longbow: The best-known form. These were usually self bows cut from yew or other hardwoods. Yew provided elasticity and compression resistance. The bows were tall, around 6 feet or more, and fired arrows with high velocity for their era. In medieval England, training and use were widespread, contributing to notable campaigns such as the Hundred Years’ War.

Welsh and continental variations: Similar self-bowed designs existed in Britain and Europe. Welsh archers used longbows of comparable height and draw length, from woods such as yew, ash, or elm. In continental Europe, longbows also appeared as tall, straight forms, with regional timber shaping their characteristics but preserving the long profile.

Modern use and classification: In modern archery, traditional longbows are produced for enthusiasts and reenactors. Reproductions range from faithful self bows to laminated or fiberglass-backed versions that maintain the tall silhouette while improving consistency and durability. The term longbow generally refers to tall, straight bows, distinct from recurves and other curved designs.